Benefits of Korean Red Ginseng

Korean red ginseng is a herb that has a number of therapeutic properties and promotes good health. Apart from knowing the benefits of Korean red ginseng, it is also helpful to be aware of its side effects...

Marlene Alphonse

Last Updated: Jan 21, 2018

Nature provides us with many a herbal remedy that helps cure a number of physical ailments. These herbs are usually availed from wild plants. After extensive research to check if the plant is safe for human consumption, it is made available to people in the form of extracts. One such herb is the Korean red ginseng. Also referred to as Panax ginseng, this plant grows in abundance in Korea and China. Believed to be first cultivated in 11 BC, this herb has gained worldwide acclaim for its therapeutic properties. The herbal remedy is extracted from the roots of the plant and sold in the form of powder, root extract and capsules.

Traditionally, ginseng was a part of the Chinese medicine, being used for more than 2,000 years to cure many ailments, both internally as well as externally. The Chinese believed that this herb boosts the yang energy and accords its functions in the body. Even the ancient Greeks used this medicinal root to combat a number of health afflictions. Due to the inadequacy of Korean red ginseng that grows in the wild, it is cultivated commercially in North Korea and exported from there to the rest of the world.

The cultivated roots are steamed for about 10 to 12 hours, which makes them turn reddish in color. After this, the roots are dried completely and then cut into thin slices. These thinly sliced pieces are then processed to make supplements, which are bottled and exported. The dose of this herb is recommended according to the requirement of the individual. 1 g of dried root or 2.5 g of fresh root can be infused in boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes. In case of capsules, the person can take up 100 to 200 mg, (as prescribed by a herbalist) to address his health problem. Here we will see about the positive effects of Korean red ginseng on the overall health of an individual.

Korean Red Ginseng Benefits

A number of health benefits can be reaped by including Korean red ginseng daily, the dose of which is as recommended by the health care provider. It is a potent herb that addresses almost all the problems related to the human body system.

A rich source of antioxidants, Korean red ginseng is a popular detoxifier. It helps the body get rid of free radicals, which cause a number of illnesses if present in the system. This herbal extract protects the organs from damage, which may be caused due to smoking, air pollution, over exposure to the sun and stress etc. It also acts as shield for the brain cells against oxidation.

One of the benefits of Korean red ginseng extract is that it prevents the onset of cardiovascular diseases. It helps reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (or LDL), which is responsible for a number of problems like hypertension, arterial blockage etc. It also helps enhance HDL (or good cholesterol) in the body.

Drinking tea which has been infused with Korean red ginseng is known to soothe nerves and relieve tension. Enhancing concentration, improving memory power, helping the body cope with stress and fight against the symptoms of depression are some of the well-known effects of Korean red ginseng tea.

Red ginseng can trigger the production of white blood cells in the body, which in turn improves the immunity. It also stimulates the body to fight against infectious diseases. This herb is also known to curb the growth of unhealthy cells, which may result in cancer.

Another popular Korean red ginseng benefit, especially for women is that it controls the symptoms of menopause by stimulating estrogen. It also helps treat hormonal imbalance and other plethora of symptoms experienced by women during menopause.

Other essential positive effects of red ginseng on the body can be seen as fighting against diabetes by controlling the blood sugar, fighting against inflammation of the muscles, which can lead to arthritis, and speeding up healing of bone injuries by depositing calcium in the bone marrow stem cells etc.

Side Effects of Korean Red Ginseng

Anything taken in moderation may have positive effects on the organ system. But if the amount is exceeded, then it can result in negative effects, some of which may require prompt medical intervention.

Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching and swelling of the face

Nausea induced vomiting

Headaches and episodes of dizziness

Loss of appetite

Irritability, nervousness and insomnia

Diarrhea, from moderate to severe

Difficulty in breathing

Korean red ginseng, may have a few negative effects have on the body, if taken above the recommended dosage. Consulting a health care provider or herbalist regarding this herb, or for that matter any other herbal remedy, will always prove to be helpful.